Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode has publicly denounced the reported death of a Nigerian citizen at the hands of the South African Police Service. He labeled the event as deeply unsettling and urged for immediate measures to halt violence directed toward Nigerians residing in South Africa.
Fani-Kayode stated he viewed an online video that appeared to capture South African officers assaulting a Nigerian man inside his residence. He described the footage as distressing and asserted that the victim was tortured until he died. The former minister strongly criticized the ongoing patterns of racial profiling and extrajudicial violence facing Nigerians abroad, insisting that the Nigerian government cannot remain indifferent to these assaults.
During a prior discussion with the South African Foreign Minister, Fani-Kayode addressed the rise in anti-Nigerian sentiment. He highlighted a troubling trend, citing dozens of killings of Nigerians in recent years that he claims have largely gone unpunished. He specifically alleged that six Nigerians have been killed in 2024, half of whom were reportedly victims of police violence. This includes a recent case in Cape Town where one individual was allegedly beaten to death and another was shot with a rubber bullet for protesting.
While Fani-Kayode acknowledged that his talks with South African representatives were productive and focused on improving bilateral ties, he emphasized that tangible results are necessary. He maintained that firm actions are vital to protecting Nigerians and ensuring that those responsible for these violent acts are held accountable.
